Food Culture in Perú is one of the most recognized in the world, not only for its fusions but also for its distinctive flavor. In fact, typical Peruvian food has been awarded countless international awards and at the same time represents one of the essential points of its society.
And who has not heard of a ceviche or potatoes a la huancaína? Just thinking makes many of us salivate.
So, do you want to know a little more about the varied and succulent typical Peruvian food? If your answer is yes, let’s get started!
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Facts about Food in Perú
The kitchen is one of the aspects that gives character and identity to each one of the countries and cultures of the world; one more form of expression and belonging and, without a doubt, one of our favorite ways of traveling: through the palate. Therefore, today we dedicate ourselves to it exclusively with these facts about food in Perú:
- Peruvian gastronomy is an incredible mix of typical Peruvian products, seasoned with influences from other countries in the world as different as Japan, China or Spain; that manage to make their dishes an experience.
- Strolling through markets or visiting restaurants in Peru is the way to enjoy a vision full of color; And it is that it has so many and so varied foods, which will not only surprise your palate, they will also conquer your retina.
- The orography of Peru, which combines different elevational floors, added to its proximity to the equator, gives the country different and varied microclimates, which help the cultivation of various fruits and vegetables, protagonists of Peruvian dishes.
- The star dish par excellence of Peruvian cuisine is ceviche. Or ceviche, or seviche, or sebiche. All four ways to write it are just as correct.
- Also about ceviche: since 2004 it has been considered a Cultural Heritage of the Nation, as it is considered one of the main attractions of its international cuisine. It even has a commemorative date: since 2008, on June 28 of each year, in Peru they celebrate Ceviche Day.
- One of the most popular desserts in the world of Peruvian cuisine is King Kong. Its name refers to the well-known film released in 1933; because its large size reminded the gorilla protagonist of the feature film. In addition, it has its own fair during the month of July, where a King Kong that is around one ton of weight is prepared.
- One of the typical Peruvian snacks dates back to colonial times, when they were used to feed slaves. These are meat skewers, known by the name of anticuchos, which can be found both in street stalls and in the best restaurants. They are seasoned with vegetable oil, minced garlic, lime, salt, and sometimes with wine vinegar.
- Peru has 63% of the world’s potato varieties, so it is not surprising that it is the main ingredient in many of its dishes. One of the examples is the cause, made with vegetables, avocado, tuna or meat and yellow potatoes, mixed with oil, lime, salt and pepper.
Cultures that influenced Perú Food
The excellent quality and variety of ingredients of Peruvian cuisine, the passion that chefs put into each dish, as well as foreign immigration have made our cuisine recognized worldwide. If you are interested in food Culture in Perú, it is important that you know the world influences on Peruvian gastronomy.
The Incas were the first
The Incas occupied a large part of South America. This area was so extensive that historians called it the Inca empire. Although the Inca civilization dissolved with the arrival of the Spanish, culinary influences remained thanks to not only culture, but also nature and geography.
Today’s chefs prepare their Peruvian dishes with many of the ingredients that the Incas grew to feed their families.
Spanish presence in Peru
Spanish gastronomy consisted of a mixture of European and Arabic ingredients, as well as flavors and spices that came from various parts of the world. The most representative aromatic spices of Spanish dishes were garlic, onion, wheat and fig.
African creativity
The use of grains, sweet potatoes, peanuts, and sugar cane in Peruvian dishes is often attributed to African slaves. African families, in general, only had access to food of animal origin that the Spanish left aside, such as organ meats. However, they knew how to season them very well and, over time, dishes such as cau cau emerged.
Chinese influence
Chifa is one of the favorite places of many Peruvians. Here they serve a fusion of oriental and Peruvian foods created by Chinese immigrants. In this way, techniques and flavors from both countries are fused.
The use of Peruvian and Chinese ingredients such as rice and soy sauce, along with the use of Chinese culinary techniques resulted in a unique style of food that many Peruvians appreciate today.
6 Traditional Peruvian Foods that you cannot stop trying
Fries Huancaina
How simple and how exquisite at the same time. Papas a la huancaína are an absolute delight that you can find practically in any tavern in any city anywhere in Peru. And, although from their name it may seem that their origin comes from the city of Huancayo, the reality is that they are typical of the Peruvian capital, Lima.
Stuffed hot pepper
The form of presentation is always similar: the hot pepper is opened at the top and filled with a mixture made from minced meat, peas, olives and fresh cheese, to be subsequently baked. It is usually accompanied, of course, by roasted potatoes or the traditional Peruvian potato cake.
Peruvian ceviche
It is the most representative traditional Peruvian food. When trying the ceviche in any of its variants –either with raw fish or seafood-, we assure you that your palate will experience an explosion of flavors that is difficult to forget. One of the proposals that could not be missing in our list of typical Peruvian dishes!
Lomo Saltado
The lomo saltado is cooked in a pan until the meat reaches that perfect doneness so that its flavor is unique. Along with it, some vinegar, tomato, green pepper, cumin, parsley and, of course, a good side of potatoes and rice. The adjective exquisite falls short of describing it …
Causa Limeña
It is said that this recipe even predates the Columbian era, when it was already cooked with kneaded Peruvian yellow potatoes mixed with crushed chili. Today the dish has adapted new ingredients, such as hard boiled egg, lemon, lettuce, avocado or black olives, and the result is a real feast for the senses.
The way this traditional Peruvian food is served will catch your attention: in several layers, as if it were a cake.
Anticuchos
They are skewers made with pieces of beef heart seasoned with other ingredients, such as garlic or cumin, and accompanied by potatoes -for a change-, Limeño corn and a good glass of chicha morada, one of the most typical and tasty drinks in all of Peru.
Despite being a rather peculiar recipe, anticuchos are usually part of the most enjoyed menus on holidays, especially when October arrives and the feast of the Lord of Miracles.
Enjoy this typical food in our vacation packages in Perú.